Strength in the Cold: Celebrating the Partnership Between Red Equipment and the International Ice Swimming Association

Growing Together as the Sport Evolves

Ice swimming is no longer a niche pursuit. It is a rapidly developing global discipline that demands structure, safety, professionalism, and the right support systems. Over the years, Red Equipment has worked closely with the International Ice Swimming Association to support events, athletes, and organizers, ensuring competitors are equipped before and after they enter the water.

The growth of the sport has been extraordinary to witness. With each event, participation increases, standards rise, and the community strengthens. For Red, being part of that journey has been both a privilege and a responsibility. The high-performance changing robes and technical equipment aligns perfectly with the practical needs of ice swimmers, warmth, protection, durability, and reliability in extreme conditions.

Molveno 2026, was a landmark event that showcased the scale and ambition of the sport. Reflecting on that experience, Ram Barkai, Founder of the International Ice Swimming Association, shared:

“Molveno 2026 is hard to let go. It was an epic event that concluded a long road, with many others, to make it happen. I am very grateful to our partner, Red, for their high-performance changing robes. They are stylishly warm and comfortable. We will see more of them...in the ICE"

Moments like this reinforce why partnerships matter. When organizers, athletes, and brands move in the same direction, the result is more than just a successful event, it’s momentum for the future of the sport.

What It Truly Takes to Be an Ice Swimmer

Ice swimming is not simply about physical toughness. It demands a rare blend of mental strength, preparation, and genuine passion. 

As Red Ambassador and Ice Swimmer Becca Harvey explains: 

“Determination and the time to commit to it. Ice swimming is a hugely demanding sport, particularly when it comes to the acclimatisation process. It’s also an intensely mental game, the moment you enter the water your body fights back, the gasping, the tightening and those reactions work against you. Getting them under control quickly comes down to both the training you’ve put in and the mindset you carry with you. 

At the end of the day, it has to come from genuine want. This sport can be miserable if you’re grinding through it purely on willpower. You need to embrace the challenge, find the fun within the discipline because if you don’t, what’s the point?” 

Her words capture the essence of the sport, ice swimming is as much about mastering the mind as it is about conditioning the body. It requires patience, structured acclimatisation, community support, and an honest love for the challenge. 

This is precisely where strong partnerships become vital. When athletes step out of sub-5°C water, recovery and protection are not luxuries, they are essential. The right equipment allows swimmers to transition safely, regain warmth efficiently, and focus on performance rather than discomfort. 

As ice swimming continues to expand into new territories and inspire new athletes, this partnership stands as a foundation for continued innovation and support. 

The cold may be unforgiving, but the community is strong. And with aligned values, trusted equipment, and mutual belief in the future of the sport, Red Equipment and the International Ice Swimming Association look forward to many more years — and many more icy miles — ahead.